
Insights for Personal Trainers
In the world of personal training, the saying “practice what you preach” holds more weight than ever. Personal trainers are not just instructors; they are role models, motivators, and walking advertisements for the benefits of fitness. In a recent podcast with Elliott Villiers, this notion was highlighted with powerful insights and firsthand experiences.
Villiers shared, “It’s really good. It’s been a massive learning curve. I have learned more in competition prep, putting myself through everything that I’ve gone through in that period of time than I have since going through the education process and breaking out as a trainer.” This underscores the importance of personal experience in truly understanding and guiding clients through their fitness journeys.
The Rite of Passage
Villiers emphasized that trainers who haven’t undergone their own body transformation are missing a crucial part of their professional development. “I think it’s a pathway and a gateway that any trainer who hasn’t done a body transformation and they haven’t been through that process themselves, they need to do it, especially if they’re going to demand that of their clients as well.” This rite of passage not only enhances a trainer’s credibility but also provides a deep well of empathy and firsthand knowledge to draw from when working with clients.
Being Observed
“People can see through those who haven’t,” Villiers remarked, highlighting the transparency in the fitness industry. Trainers are under constant observation, not just during sessions but in their daily interactions, the way they carry themselves, and even their grooming habits. Every aspect of a trainer’s presentation is being scrutinized, consciously or subconsciously. This makes authenticity and personal commitment to fitness non-negotiable.
Building Trust Through Experience
Villiers pointed out that having personal experience in achieving fitness goals adds immense credibility. “If you’re able to demand something of your client in alignment with the goals that they’ve requested or hired you to be able to achieve, you can say that you’ve done it yourself and here are the provable receipts and here’s what I experienced.” This firsthand experience is invaluable in building trust and providing powerful, believable guidance to clients.
The Power of Empathy and Listening
One of the key takeaways from Villiers’ discussion was the importance of listening and understanding clients on a deeper level. He discussed using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to truly connect with clients. “It’s not until you have an emotional connection with someone that they know, like, and trust you,” he noted. This connection is essential for effective training, as it allows trainers to tailor their approach to each client’s unique needs and goals.
The Value of Validation
Villiers also stressed the importance of validation in client-trainer relationships. “Validation, being validated on something, whether or not you are incorrect, whether or not you agree with it. If you can validate somebody and let them know they’ve been heard, whatever their grievance is or whatever their problem is, you’ll get through so many doorways.” This approach not only strengthens the relationship but also ensures that clients feel heard and understood, fostering a more supportive and effective training environment.
Consistency and Reliability
To be a successful trainer, reliability across all fronts is crucial. Villiers highlighted, “You have to be reliable if there is even a shadow of a doubt that you are even in some facet and not others, unreliable. He’s great at spotting me, never takes his eyes off me. It takes 10 hours to get back to a message, or he’s five minutes late, so I can’t rely on him to be on time.” Consistency in all aspects of training—from punctuality to responsiveness—builds trust and positions trainers as dependable professionals.
Conclusion
Elliott Villiers’ insights offer invaluable lessons for personal trainers. By undergoing their own body transformations, actively listening to clients, validating their concerns, and consistently demonstrating reliability, trainers can not only enhance their professional credibility but also create more meaningful and successful client relationships. In the end, practicing what you preach isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about living it, learning from it, and inspiring others to do the same.
